The Oberoi Vindhyavilas
Bandhavgarh National Park

The Oberoi Vindhyavilas is one of Ampersand's and Top 10 Safari Lodges in Asia.

If luxury and wilderness were to elope, they’d have their honeymoon at The Oberoi Vindhyavilas. Tucked away in the green embrace of Bandhavgarh, where the tigers roam free and the stars come out to play, this exclusive retreat is the very definition of “glamping” – if by “glamping” you mean an exquisite 5-star escape wrapped in velvet and sprinkled with a dash of adventure.

Let’s start with the accommodation. A rather modest 21 accommodations (we’re not here to crowd the jungle) include 19 spacious tents, each a sprawling 60 square metres of refined indulgence. For those who believe in more than just a touch of opulence, there are two private villas with their very own pools – 105 square metres of space to stretch out and forget about the world entirely (we wouldn’t blame you for not wanting to leave).

Dining at Vindhyavilas is a treat for your tastebuds. The Main Restaurant offers a sophisticated blend of indoor and outdoor dining, where the only thing more exquisite than the food is the view of the lush wilderness beyond. Fancy a cocktail after your jungle safari? The Bar & Lounge offers the perfect spot to swap wildlife stories or make new ones. But if you're in the mood for something a little more intimate, there’s Bush Dining for 8 – and for those who like their meals with a side of spectacle, the Fire Pit adds a touch of drama to your dinner under the stars. The Tree Court, complete with its own fire pit, is the kind of place where you’ll want to invite everyone… or just enjoy it all to yourself.

And for those who might find it difficult to tear themselves away from the tranquillity, there’s an infinity-edge swimming pool that practically floats over the lake, inviting you to dive in, relax and forget that time exists. If you're feeling particularly zen, the Spa with two therapy suites and an Outdoor Yoga Pavilion will have you feeling like you’re on the best kind of ‘retreat’. The Fitness Centre ensures that even in the heart of nature, you can maintain your hard-earned muscles, while the Herb and Vegetable Gardens provide an earthy connection to the land.

And then there’s the location. Sarmaniya – a quaint village 10 kilometres from the Tala Gate of Bandhavgarh – is where you’ll find The Oberoi Vindhyavilas. It’s far enough to feel like your own secret world, yet close enough to the park’s more iconic zones – Khitauli and Magadhi – for an easy day trip. Train buffs, fret not: Umaria is only 34 kilometres away, and Katni (100 km) and Jabalpur (180 km) offer even more convenient options to arrive at your new favourite hideaway.

In a world of ordinary escapes, The Oberoi Vindhyavilas offers something quite extraordinary: a chance to lose yourself in the jungle and, in the process, find a level of luxury you never thought possible. Welcome to wilderness like you’ve never known it.

When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money.
Susan Heller